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  5. Tubular spinal micro decompression surgery with integrated 2D camera visualization: initial experience and feasibility in Tanzania

Tubular spinal micro decompression surgery with integrated 2D camera visualization: initial experience and feasibility in Tanzania

File(s)
41866623.pdf (1.29 MB)
Permanent Link(s)
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/121544
Collections
Department of Neurological Surgery
Author
Bureta, C.
Sabas, R.R.
Cadieux, M.
Garvayo, M.
Sisay, B.G.
Bui, T.
Ikwuegbuenyi, C.A.
Shabani, H.K.
Hartl, R.
Abstract

BACKGROUND: The 2D camera visualization system is a novel, video device that provides high-definition, magnified views of the surgical field through a tubular retractor system. This study reports the initial experience using the novel 2D camera-based visualization system for tubular spinal micro decompression surgery in Tanzania. METHODS: This prospective cohort study, conducted between 2022 and 2024, included 17 patients with one- to two-level lumbar spinal stenosis or disc herniation presenting with radiculopathy and/or claudication who had not responded to conservative management. Data on patient demographics, surgical details, complications, hospital stay, and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores over a six-month follow-up period were collected and analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Among the 17 patients in the study, male were 10 (59%), aged 61 years (IQR: 45-65), presented with L4-L5 spinal stenosis 65% (11/17). The mean preoperative NRS score was 8. The operative time was 150 min (SD: 33), Durotomy occurred in five patients (29%), four of which took place during the first year of implementation. The median hospital stay was three days (IQR: 2-4). One patient (6%) developed Surgical site infection (SSI). Overall, significant improvement in NRS scores was sustained throughout the six-month follow-up period. No intraoperative nerve injuries or neurological deficits were observed. CONCLUSION: The integration of a tubular-mounted digital camera visualization system is a feasible adjunct for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) in Tanzania, offering distinct advantages in ergonomics, training, and cost-effectiveness compared with operative microscopy. Although the initial learning curve was associated with a higher incidence of durotomy, outcomes improved with experience.

Journal / Series
Acta neurochirurgica
Volume & Issue
168(1)
Date Issued
2026-03-23
Publisher
Springer
Keywords
WCM Library Coordinated Deposit
•
Humans
•
Male
•
Middle Aged
•
Female
•
Spinal Stenosis/surgery
•
Tanzania
•
Aged
•
Prospective Studies
•
Feasibility Studies
•
Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery
•
Decompression, Surgical/methods/instrumentation
•
Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery
•
Microsurgery/methods/instrumentation
•
Treatment Outcome
•
Camera visualization system
•
LMICs
•
Micro decompression spinal surgery
•
Surgical innovation
•
Tubular retractor system
Related DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-026-06806-6
Previously Published as
Bureta C, Sabas RR, Cadieux M, Garvayo M, Sisay BG, Bui T, Ikwuegbuenyi CA, Shabani HK, Hartl R. Tubular spinal micro decompression surgery with integrated 2D camera visualization: initial experience and feasibility in Tanzania. Acta neurochirurgica. 2026;168(1). doi: 10.1007/s00701-026-06806-6. PMID: 41866623.
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Rights URI
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Type
article

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